GCU to launch Games 2014 Legacy project on Commonwealth Day

03 March 2014

GCU will launch its official Games 2014 Legacy project during the University’s Commonwealth Day celebrations on Monday 10 March.

Glasgow City Council has endorsed GCU’s reCYCLE initiative with the Commonwealth Games Legacy logo in recognition of its contribution to the principles which underpin the Glasgow 2014 Legacy Framework, which include sustainability, health and inclusion.

The project has been established with SiMY Community Development organisation, which is based in the Townhead area of Glasgow. SiMY works alongside young people and their families to help them achieve their hopes and ambitions for themselves and their community. One of its aims is to support learning and experience through outdoor activity, for example thorough its Saddle Soar mountain biking club which promotes an active lifestyle to its young members and encourages increased independence. SiMY also encourages cycling as an affordable way to travel outwith the local area for job or training opportunities.

The University has pledged to equip 15 young people with bikes, helmets, cycling equipment and maintenance skills. The University will also help SiMY members achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Additional bikes, clothing, locks and helmets will be refurbished and supplied to a local primary school.

The launch of the joint project will mark the beginning of a GCU-wide campaign for donations of outdoor clothing, helmets, equipment and bikes for refurbishment and distribution.

The Commonwealth Day event, which is being held in the Saltire Centre, will also showcase other examples of how students and staff are engaging with the 2014 Games.

They include:

Tree of Wishes - Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE and Councillor Archie Graham, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, will hang their Commonwealth Games wishes before students and staff are invited to get involved. Messages can also be tweeted using the #gcuwishes hashtag

Students, staff and visitors will be invited to tell GCU about their role in the Games and plot their home nations on a map

The screening of a new film produced by Glasgow 2014

Mary’s Meals, the Scottish-based international charity, will unveil its latest campaign to help children in Malawi

Professor Lesley Sawers, Vice-Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business Development, Enterprise and Innovation, said: “Commonwealth Day is a fantastic opportunity for GCU to celebrate the Games coming to Glasgow this summer and to showcase our range of activities and work with countries across the Commonwealth. We are encouraging all of our students and staff to visit the Saltire Centre and leave their good wishes for Glasgow 2014 and join in the excitement as we build up to what will be the best Commonwealth Games ever.”